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March 03, 2008

Catching up with...the Utah Jazz

The Mavericks will continue their quest to win a meaningful game with Jason Kidd tonight as they travel to Utah for the second time this season. Their first game in Utah this year didn't end so well with the Mavs losing 99-90. However, they did win their first matchup against the Jazz this season in Dallas 125-117.

Up and downThe Jazz (38-22) have been slowly creeping up in the West after having a semi-shaky start to the season. But lately, they have been very unpredictable. They have gone 3-3 in their last six games, but two of those losses were against the Clippers (19-38) and Timberwolves (14-46) by a combined 21 points. Still, the Jazz are first in their division and are 2.5 games up on the Nuggets, who continue to blow their chances to threaten the Jazz.

Korver provides some helpWhen the Jazz acquired Kyle Korver earlier in the season, the were expecting to get a solid three-point specialist who could help spread the floor more for their post game. Korver has been good in spots, but hasn't been the consistent guy he showed he could be when he was in Philadelphia in past years. He has been their top three-point shooter over his last 10 games, but his hot hand has a bad tendency to go cold. Still, the Mavs will be watching for him to get streaky and burn them from long range.Millsap strong under the radarAverages of 8.2 points and 5.8 rebounds won't blow anyone away, but Paul Millsap is absolutely a key ingredient to the Jazz bench. He brings an energy and athleticism that the second unit sorely needs when Carlos Boozer takes a break, and plays very efficient ball. He has been shooting well above 50 percent from the field lately and is sinking more than 80 percent of his free throws as well.

Burning questionThey'll make the playoffs, but do they have what it takes to pass up those Western powers?